First Pita Pit in Baltimore opens Wednesday downtown

Lorraine Mirabella

Baltimore's first Pita Pit, a fast-casual concept that serves Lebanese-style pitas, is set to open Wednesday on the west side of downtown.

The eatery at 413 W. Baltimore Street was originally scheduled to open in September but faced some delays as franchisee Drin Kaziaj finalized a lease and hired contractors. The restaurant will be part of a project with a Panera Bread Co., PNC Bank, Samuelson's Jewelers and State Employees Credit Union.

It will employ about 20 full- and part-time workers. Kaziaj hopes to open a second location in Canton later this year and possibly additional spots.

"Expansion…depends on how the first two do," he said. "I’m looking to open up as many as possible."

The chain, now in 40 states, features a menu of pitas stuffed with cheeses, meats, vegetables and signature sauces. The restaurant also offers veggie pitas, smoothies and breakfast-style pitas.

UPDATE: The Baltimore Pita Pit is the only one in Maryland. A location on the University of Maryland's College Park campus had shut down more than three years ago, but the company now plans a Maryland expansion, according to a spokesman.